No description available.

Patient-reported outcomes are important in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Pruritus is of special interest for evolving therapies with farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pruritus in a real-life NAFLD cohort and analyze associations with anxiety and depression. Pruritus was assessed using a visual analogue- (VAS) and 5-D itch-scale (5-D). Anxiety and depression were evaluated by Beck’s-Depression-Inventory (BDI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A, HADS-D). An optimal logistic regression model was found with a stepwise procedure to investigate variables associated with pruritus. In total, 123 NAFLD patients were recruited. VAS and 5-D were highly correlated (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.89). Moderate/severe pruritus was reported in 19% (VAS) and 21% (5-D) of patients. Anxiety and depression were present in 12% and 4% (HADS-A and HADS-D, respectively) and 12% (BDI) of cases. There was a significant association between VAS and BDI (p = 0.019). The final multivariate model for 5-D included diabetes mellitus (OR 4.51; p = 0.01), BDI (OR 5.98; p = 0.024), and HADS-A (OR 7.75; p = 0.011). One-fifth of NAFLD patients reported moderate or severe pruritus. 5-D was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus, depression, and anxiety. These findings should be tested in larger populations and considered in candidates for treatment with FXR agonists.

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation ameliorated hepatic lipid load; tissue inflammation; and fibrosis in rodent animal models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by as yet largely unknown mechanism(s). In a mouse model of NASH; we transplanted bone marrow-derived MSCs into the livers; which were analyzed one week thereafter. Combined metabolomic and proteomic data were applied to weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and subsequent identification of key drivers. Livers were analyzed histologically and biochemically. The mechanisms of MSC action on hepatocyte lipid accumulation were studied in co-cultures of hepatocytes and MSCs by quantitative image analysis and immunocytochemistry. WGCNA and key driver analysis revealed that NASH caused the impairment of central carbon; amino acid; and lipid metabolism associated with mitochondrial and peroxisomal dysfunction; which was reversed by MSC treatment. MSC improved hepatic lipid metabolism and tissue homeostasis. In co-cultures of hepatocytes and MSCs; the decrease of lipid load was associated with the transfer of mitochondria from the MSCs to the hepatocytes via tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). Hence; MSCs may ameliorate lipid load and tissue perturbance by the donation of mitochondria to the hepatocytes. Thereby; they may provide oxidative capacity for lipid breakdown and thus promote recovery from NASH-induced metabolic impairment and tissue injury.

La stéatose hépatique non alcoolique (NAFLD) est une manifestation du syndrome métabolique dont la prévalence est en constante évolution. Les stratégies thérapeutiques sont soit difficiles à mettre en œuvre soit d’une efficacité limitée. Nous avons étudié une approche nutritionnelle avec 3 acides aminés particuliers : la glutamine, l’arginine et la citrulline (Cit) pour leurs propriétés de pharmaconutriments azotés. Dans un modèle de NAFLD modérée induite par le fructose, seule la citrulline (1 g/kg/j) permettait une amélioration du métabolisme lipidique. Toutefois, l’étude de la cinétique de NAFLD suggérait un effet protecteur du simple apport azoté. L’effet spécifique de la Cit par rapport au simple apport azoté (AANE) a donc été déterminé dans un modèle de NAFLD induite par 8 semaines de régime enrichi en fructose. Ceci a permis de confirmer l’effet protecteur de la Cit et des AANE. Toutefois, la Cit exerce un effet plus spécifique sur l’expression de Srebp1c et de Fas et améliore la disponibilité périphérique en Arg, un élément important de l’insulino-sensibilité. La stéatose est associée à une perte de masse maigre, suggérant une oxydation des AA aux dépens de l’anabolisme musculaire, et une accumulation de lipides à l’origine de la stéatose et du gain de masse grasse viscérale ; la Cit et les AANE en agissant sur la NAFLD préviendraient cet effet du fructose. Nous avons ensuite évalué les effets de la Cit dans un modèle de stéatose plus sévère induite par le western diet. La Cit améliore la fonction hépatique (diminution des lipides et de l’inflammation hépatique) et préserve l’axe intestin-foie (restauration du groupe Bacteroides/Prevotella dans la muqueuse colique, diminution de l’inflammation intestinale et augmentation de l’expression de la Claudine 1) mais ne permet pas de prévenir l’ensemble des altérations liées au western diet. Il serait intéressant d’évaluer la relation effet/dose et l’efficacité de la Cit en association avec d’autres traitements. Par ailleurs, les mécanismes cellulaires restent à élucider. / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a manifestation of the metabolic syndrome whose prevalence is constantly growing. Therapeutic strategies are either difficult to implement or of limited effectiveness. We studied a nutritional approach with three specific amino acids: glutamine, arginine and citrulline (Cit) for their pharmaconutrient properties. In a model of moderate fructose-induced NAFLD, citrulline alone (1 g/kg/day) improved lipid metabolism. However, the study of the kinetics of NAFLD suggested a protective effect of nitrogen supply by itself. The specific effect of Cit compared to that of nitrogen (NEAAs) has been determined in a model of 8 week fructose diet-induced NAFLD. This has confirmed the protective effect of Cit and NEAAs. However, Cit exerted a specific effect on the expression of Fas and SREBP1c and improves peripheral Arg availability, an important component of insulin sensitivity. Steatosis was associated with loss of lean mass, suggesting AA oxidation at the expense of muscle anabolism, and lipid accumulation causing steatosis and visceral fat gain; Cit and NEAAs by acting on NAFLD would prevent this effect of fructose. We then evaluated the effects of Cit in a model of more severe steatosis induced by western diet. Cit improved liver function (reduced fat and liver inflammation) and protected the liver-gut axis (restoration of Bacteroides/Prevotella group in the colonic mucosa, decreased intestinal inflammation and increased expression of claudin 1) but did not prevent all western diet-induced alterations. It would be interesting to assess the dose/effect relationship and the effectiveness of Cit in combination with other treatments. Furthermore, the cellular mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) abrange alterações desde esteatose até esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA), podendo evoluir para fibrose, cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. A DHGNA é considerada a doença hepática mais comum na atualidade e com prevalência mundial alarmante. Esta doença caracteriza-se, basicamente, pela deposição de triglicérides nos hepatócitos, podendo evoluir com inflamação e fibrose, e está intimamente associada com resistência à insulina (RI), diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e obesidade. Os hepatócitos representam as principais células hepáticas e se comunicam através de junções do tipo gap, formadas principalmente por conexina 32 (Cx32). Esta proteína apresenta importante função no controle da homeostase tecidual, regulando processos fisiológicos e tem sido associada como agente protetor na hepatocarcinogênese e outros processos patológicos, porem pouco se sabe sobre sua participação na DHGNA. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a participação da Cx32 na fisiopatogênese da DHGNA, utilizando camundongos knockout para Cx32 (Cx32-KO) submetidos a uma dieta hiperlipídica deficiente em colina. Foram analisados dados biométricos, histopatológicos, função hepática, RI, citocinas inflamatórias, adipocinas, estresse oxidativo, peroxidação lipídica e a expressão de genes envolvidos na DHGNA. Os animais Cx32-KO apresentaram maior acumulo de triglicérides hepáticos em relação aos animais selvagens e, consequentemente, maior peso absoluto e relativo do fígado. Adicionalmente, apresentaram maior inflamação hepática demonstrado pela exacerbação da citocina TNF-α e supressão da IL-10, maior dano hepatocelular indicado pelo aumento das enzimas AST e ALT, aumento da peroxidação lipídica e alterações na expressão de genes chaves na fisiopatogênese da DHGNA, como SREBP1c. No entanto, não houve diferença nos marcadores histopatológicos, RI e estresse oxidativo hepático. Por fim, os animais Cx32-KO apresentaram maior produção de leptina e adiponectina no tecido adiposo. Todos esses resultados revelam que a Cx32 pode atuar como um agente protetor ao desenvolvimento da DHGNA, sugerindo seu potencial como novo alvo terapêutico / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is currently the most common liver disease in the world with an alarming prevalence worldwide. This disease is characterized by the deposition of triglycerides in hepatocytes and can develop inflammation and fibrosis. NAFLD is closely associated with insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. The gap junctions mediate intercellular communication and are critical for maintaining integral cellular processes. In hepatocytes, the major type of liver cells, the gap junctions are formed mainly by connexin 32 (Cx32). This protein is important for the control of tissue homeostasis and for physiological processesregulation. It has been linked as a protective agent in hepatocarcinogenesis and other pathological processes. However, little is known about its role on NAFLD. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the participation of Cx32 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD using WT and Cx32-knockout mice (Cx32-KO) subjected to a high-fat diet deficient in choline. NAFLD was evaluated based on a battery of clinically relevant read-outs, including histopathological examination, inflammatory citokines, liver damage markers, in-depth lipid analysis, assessment of oxidative stress, insulin and glucose tolerance and lipid-related biomarkers.The Cx32-KO animals showed higher accumulation of hepatic triglycerides, increased inflammation and lipid peroxidation and increased production of leptin and adiponectin in the adipose tissue when compared with WT. Moreover, there was no difference in histopathological markers, RI and hepatic oxidative stress. Taken together, all these results show that Cx32 is a protective agent to the development of the disease, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target in NAFLD

No description available.

A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) abrange alterações desde esteatose até esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA), podendo evoluir para fibrose, cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. A DHGNA é considerada a doença hepática mais comum na atualidade e com prevalência mundial alarmante. Esta doença caracteriza-se, basicamente, pela deposição de triglicérides nos hepatócitos, podendo evoluir com inflamação e fibrose, e está intimamente associada com resistência à insulina (RI), diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e obesidade. Os hepatócitos representam as principais células hepáticas e se comunicam através de junções do tipo gap, formadas principalmente por conexina 32 (Cx32). Esta proteína apresenta importante função no controle da homeostase tecidual, regulando processos fisiológicos e tem sido associada como agente protetor na hepatocarcinogênese e outros processos patológicos, porem pouco se sabe sobre sua participação na DHGNA. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a participação da Cx32 na fisiopatogênese da DHGNA, utilizando camundongos knockout para Cx32 (Cx32-KO) submetidos a uma dieta hiperlipídica deficiente em colina. Foram analisados dados biométricos, histopatológicos, função hepática, RI, citocinas inflamatórias, adipocinas, estresse oxidativo, peroxidação lipídica e a expressão de genes envolvidos na DHGNA. Os animais Cx32-KO apresentaram maior acumulo de triglicérides hepáticos em relação aos animais selvagens e, consequentemente, maior peso absoluto e relativo do fígado. Adicionalmente, apresentaram maior inflamação hepática demonstrado pela exacerbação da citocina TNF-α e supressão da IL-10, maior dano hepatocelular indicado pelo aumento das enzimas AST e ALT, aumento da peroxidação lipídica e alterações na expressão de genes chaves na fisiopatogênese da DHGNA, como SREBP1c. No entanto, não houve diferença nos marcadores histopatológicos, RI e estresse oxidativo hepático. Por fim, os animais Cx32-KO apresentaram maior produção de leptina e adiponectina no tecido adiposo. Todos esses resultados revelam que a Cx32 pode atuar como um agente protetor ao desenvolvimento da DHGNA, sugerindo seu potencial como novo alvo terapêutico / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is currently the most common liver disease in the world with an alarming prevalence worldwide. This disease is characterized by the deposition of triglycerides in hepatocytes and can develop inflammation and fibrosis. NAFLD is closely associated with insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. The gap junctions mediate intercellular communication and are critical for maintaining integral cellular processes. In hepatocytes, the major type of liver cells, the gap junctions are formed mainly by connexin 32 (Cx32). This protein is important for the control of tissue homeostasis and for physiological processesregulation. It has been linked as a protective agent in hepatocarcinogenesis and other pathological processes. However, little is known about its role on NAFLD. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the participation of Cx32 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD using WT and Cx32-knockout mice (Cx32-KO) subjected to a high-fat diet deficient in choline. NAFLD was evaluated based on a battery of clinically relevant read-outs, including histopathological examination, inflammatory citokines, liver damage markers, in-depth lipid analysis, assessment of oxidative stress, insulin and glucose tolerance and lipid-related biomarkers.The Cx32-KO animals showed higher accumulation of hepatic triglycerides, increased inflammation and lipid peroxidation and increased production of leptin and adiponectin in the adipose tissue when compared with WT. Moreover, there was no difference in histopathological markers, RI and hepatic oxidative stress. Taken together, all these results show that Cx32 is a protective agent to the development of the disease, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target in NAFLD

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:50:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-05-27 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da intervenção nutricional como tratamento exclusivo na resistência à insulina, parâmetros bioquímicos de síndrome metabólica e grau de esteatose hepática em portadores de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA). Métodos: 31 portadores de DHGNA, diagnosticados por tomografia computadorizada e/ou biópsia hepática receberam dieta com restrição de 500 a 1000 kcal/dia. O valor energético total (VET) foi distribuído em 15% proteína, 55% carboidrato e 30% gordura. Foram avaliados no início do estudo e após 6 meses de tratamento: grau de esteatose hepática e obesidade visceral por meio de tomografia computadorizada. Níveis séricos de alanina aminotransferase (ALT), gama glutamil transferase (GGT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), e fosfatase alcalina, e parâmetros de síndrome metabólica (SM), glicemia, triglicerídeos e da lipoproteína de alta intensidade (HDL-C) foram medidos por método automatizado. As medidas antropométricas, índice de massa corpórea (IMC), circunferência da cintura (CC) e relação cintura/quadril e o consumo alimentar (pelo registro alimentar de 7 dias) foram avaliados mensalmente. Ao final do acompanhamento, os pacientes foram considerados como aderentes ou não aderentes de acordo com perda de peso maior ou menor que 5% do peso inicial, respectivamente. Os testes de Mann-Whitney, quiquadrado e Wilcoxon foram utilizados na análise estatística. Resultados: Dos 31 pacientes incluídos, 17 foram classificados como aderentes (grupo 1) e 14 como não aderentes (grupo 2). No grupo 2 foi observada redução significante dos valores do índice de massa corpórea (IMC), circunferência da cintura (CC) , enquanto entre os pacientes que aderiram à dieta, além da melhora significante de todos os parâmetros antropométricos, também houve redução estatisticamente significante nos níveis da alanina aminotransferase (ALT) , gama glutamil transferase (GGT), insulina, HOMA–IR, gordura visceral, gordura total, e da densidade tomográfica do fígado, assim como aumento da lipoproteína de alta intensidade (HDL-C). Nesses pacientes houve diminuição estatisticamente significante do valor calórico total com diminuição do consumo de gordura total e saturada. Conclusão: O tratamento nutricional como terapia exclusiva, com a perda de pelo menos 5% de peso inicial, foi capaz de modificar os parâmetros metabólicos de síndrome metabólica, valores das enzimas hepáticas e o grau de esteatose em portadores de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA), demonstrando que a intervenção dietética é efetiva no tratamento da doença. / Purpose: Evaluate the effect of diet therapy as exclusive treatment on insulin resistance, biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome and degree of hepatic steatosis in patients with nonalcoolic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with NAFLD by computed tomography and/or liver biopsy received a restricted diet of energy (reduction of 500 to 100 kcal/day) containing 15% protein, 55% carbohydrates and 30% fat. The following parameters were evaluated at the entry and 6 months after dietary instructions: the degree of hepatic steatosis and visceral obesity by computed tomography, the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, metabolic syndrome parameters, glycemia, triglycerides and high density liprotein (HDL-c) were measured by an automated method. Insulin concentration was determined by immunofluorometry and insulin resistance (IR) was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Anthropometric variables, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and food intake (7-day diary) were evaluated monthly. At the end of follow-up, the patients were classified as adherent or non-adherent to treatment according to a weight loss of more or less than 5% of initial body weight, respectively. Results were analyzed statistically using the Mann- Whitney, chi-square and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Seventeen of the 31 patients were classified as adherent (group 1) and 14 as non-adherent (group 2). Group 2 presented only a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. In contrast, in group 1, in addition to significant improvement of all anthropometric parameters, a significant reduction was observed in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), visceral fat and tomographic liver density, together with an increase in high density liprotein (HDL-c) serum levels. These patients decrease presented a significant in total energy intake and in the amount of total and saturated fat. Conclusions: Nutritional intervention as exclusive treatment, with a loss of at least 5% of initial weight, was able to modify metabolic syndrome parameters, liver enzymes and degree of steatosis in patients with NAFLD, demonstrating that dietary intervention is effective in the treatment of this disease. / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) tornou-se a hepatopatia crônica mais comum no mundo, afetando principalmente alguns grupos de pacientes, como os diabéticos tipo II. A biópsia hepática permanece como método padrão ouro para o seu diagnóstico. A prevalência da DHGNA e seus subtipos, em especial a esteatohepatite (EH), pode estar subestimada por métodos não invasivos de diagnóstico ou superestimada pela realização da biópsia em pacientes selecionados por alterações na ultrassonografia (US) ou nas aminotransferases. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: determinar a prevalência da DHGNA (esteatose, EH e cirrose) em uma amostra de pacientes diabéticos tipo II, com base na biópsia hepática; quantificar a esteatose, inflamação e fibrose quando presentes; identificar fatores preditivos de DHGNA, EH e fibrose significativa (&#8805; estágio 2) e avaliar o valor das aminotransferases e da US de abdome para o diagnóstico de EH e fibrose significativa. Todos os diabéticos tipo II, entre 18 e 70 anos, consecutivamente atendidos no ambulatório de Diabetes do Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, eram candidatos a participar do estudo. Foram excluídos pacientes com sorologias positivas para hepatite B ou C, outras doenças hepáticas crônicas, uso de drogas hepatotóxicas ou esteatogênicas, etilismo (&#8805;20g/dia), obesidade grau III, comorbidades graves, gravidez ou por recusa em participar do estudo. Dos 396 pacientes triados com critérios de inclusão, 85 foram incluídos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, exames laboratoriais, US de abdome e biópsia hepática. As lâminas foram analisadas por dois patologistas independentes e a DHGNA foi graduada pelo NASH Clinical Research Network Scoring System. A concordância entre os patologistas foi medida pelo coeficiente Kappa (k) e foi realizada análise multivariada por regressão logística para avaliação dos fatores associados de forma independente à DHGNA, EH e fibrose significativa. A prevalência de DHGNA na amostra foi de 92%, sendo 50% esteatose simples, 40% EH e 2% cirrose. A concordância (k) entre os patologistas foi 0,78. A esteatose foi leve na maior parte dos pacientes com esteatose simples e predominantemente acentuada nos pacientes com EH (p<0,001). A fibrose foi verificada em 76% dos pacientes com EH, sendo significativa em 41% deles. A presença de síndrome metabólica foi associada de forma independente à DHGNA, o índice de massa corporal e a circunferência abdominal aumentada à EH e a dosagem de alanina aminotransferase (ALT) à EH e à fibrose significativa. Apenas um de 21 pacientes (5%) com US e ALT normais apresentou EH. A prevalência da EH aumentou progressivamente com o aumento do grau de esteatose na US e com o aumento da ALT. Conclusão: A prevalência da DHGNA estimada pela biópsia hepática sem vieses de seleção foi muito elevada. Apesar de alto, o percentual de EH e fibrose significativa foi inferior ao dos estudos com biópsias em diabéticos selecionados por alterações na US e aminotransferases. EH foi associada a esteatose acentuada na histologia. A obesidade foi um cofator importante no diagnóstico de EH. O melhor desempenho da ALT e da US foi o de excluir as formas graves de DHGNA quando normais. / Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, especially in some groups of patients, as type II diabetic. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard method for diagnosis of the disease. Current prevalences of NAFLD and its subtypes, as steatohepatitis (NASH), can be underestimated due to the non invasive tests for diagnosis or overestimated due to liver biopsy in patients selected by changes in ultrasonography (US) or aminotransferases. The objectives of this study were: define the prevalence of NAFLD (bland steatosis, NASH and cirrhosis) in type II diabetic patients, based on liver biopsy; quantify steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis when present; identify predictive factors of NAFLD, NASH and significant fibrosis (&#8805; stage 2) and analyse the value of aminotransferases and abdominal US for diagnosis of NASH and significant fibrosis. All type II diabetic patients, from 18 to 70 years, consecutively evaluated in the outpatient Clinic of Diabetes Mellitus of a terciary care University Hospital, were considered for enrollment. Patients were excluded if they had positive serology for hepatitis B or C, other chronic liver diseases, used medications associated with steatosis or hepatotoxic drugs, consumed &#8805; 20g alcohol per day, had other serious diseases, grade III obesity, were pregnant or declined participation. From 396 patients evaluated, 85 were included. Patients were submitted to clinical and laboratory examinations, abdominal US and liver biopsy. The slides were analysed by two independent pathologists and graded according to NASH Clinical Research Network Scoring System. Agreement between pathologists was accessed by kappa coefficients (k) and factors independently associated to NAFLD, NASH and significant fibrosis by multivariate logistic regression. Prevalence of NAFLD was 92%, being 50% bland steatosis, 40% NASH and 2% cirrhosis. Agreement between pathologists (k) was 0,78. Steatosis was mild in the majority of patients with bland steatosis and mostly severe in NASH patients (p<0,001). Fibrosis occurred in 76% of NASH patients, being significant in 41% of them. Metabolic syndrome was independently associated to NAFLD, body mass index and increased waist circumference to NASH and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to NASH and significant fibrosis. Metabolic syndrome was independently associated to NAFLD; body mass index and increased waist circumference were associated to NASH; and ALT was associated to NASH and significant fibrosis. Only one from 21 patients (5%) with normal US and ALT had NASH. The prevalence of NASH progressively increased as the steatosis grade on US and the liver enzymes got worse. Conclusion: Prevalence of NAFLD estimated by liver biopsy in T2DM patients without selection bias was very high. Although elevated, prevalence of NASH and significant fibrosis were lower than defined by studies with biopsies in patients with changes in US or aminotransferases. NASH was associated to severe steatosis on histology. Obesity was an important factor in NASH diagnosis. The best performance of ALT and US was in exclude severe subtypes of NAFLD when normal.

A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) tornou-se a hepatopatia crônica mais comum no mundo, afetando principalmente alguns grupos de pacientes, como os diabéticos tipo II. A biópsia hepática permanece como método padrão ouro para o seu diagnóstico. A prevalência da DHGNA e seus subtipos, em especial a esteatohepatite (EH), pode estar subestimada por métodos não invasivos de diagnóstico ou superestimada pela realização da biópsia em pacientes selecionados por alterações na ultrassonografia (US) ou nas aminotransferases. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: determinar a prevalência da DHGNA (esteatose, EH e cirrose) em uma amostra de pacientes diabéticos tipo II, com base na biópsia hepática; quantificar a esteatose, inflamação e fibrose quando presentes; identificar fatores preditivos de DHGNA, EH e fibrose significativa (&#8805; estágio 2) e avaliar o valor das aminotransferases e da US de abdome para o diagnóstico de EH e fibrose significativa. Todos os diabéticos tipo II, entre 18 e 70 anos, consecutivamente atendidos no ambulatório de Diabetes do Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, eram candidatos a participar do estudo. Foram excluídos pacientes com sorologias positivas para hepatite B ou C, outras doenças hepáticas crônicas, uso de drogas hepatotóxicas ou esteatogênicas, etilismo (&#8805;20g/dia), obesidade grau III, comorbidades graves, gravidez ou por recusa em participar do estudo. Dos 396 pacientes triados com critérios de inclusão, 85 foram incluídos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, exames laboratoriais, US de abdome e biópsia hepática. As lâminas foram analisadas por dois patologistas independentes e a DHGNA foi graduada pelo NASH Clinical Research Network Scoring System. A concordância entre os patologistas foi medida pelo coeficiente Kappa (k) e foi realizada análise multivariada por regressão logística para avaliação dos fatores associados de forma independente à DHGNA, EH e fibrose significativa. A prevalência de DHGNA na amostra foi de 92%, sendo 50% esteatose simples, 40% EH e 2% cirrose. A concordância (k) entre os patologistas foi 0,78. A esteatose foi leve na maior parte dos pacientes com esteatose simples e predominantemente acentuada nos pacientes com EH (p<0,001). A fibrose foi verificada em 76% dos pacientes com EH, sendo significativa em 41% deles. A presença de síndrome metabólica foi associada de forma independente à DHGNA, o índice de massa corporal e a circunferência abdominal aumentada à EH e a dosagem de alanina aminotransferase (ALT) à EH e à fibrose significativa. Apenas um de 21 pacientes (5%) com US e ALT normais apresentou EH. A prevalência da EH aumentou progressivamente com o aumento do grau de esteatose na US e com o aumento da ALT. Conclusão: A prevalência da DHGNA estimada pela biópsia hepática sem vieses de seleção foi muito elevada. Apesar de alto, o percentual de EH e fibrose significativa foi inferior ao dos estudos com biópsias em diabéticos selecionados por alterações na US e aminotransferases. EH foi associada a esteatose acentuada na histologia. A obesidade foi um cofator importante no diagnóstico de EH. O melhor desempenho da ALT e da US foi o de excluir as formas graves de DHGNA quando normais. / Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, especially in some groups of patients, as type II diabetic. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard method for diagnosis of the disease. Current prevalences of NAFLD and its subtypes, as steatohepatitis (NASH), can be underestimated due to the non invasive tests for diagnosis or overestimated due to liver biopsy in patients selected by changes in ultrasonography (US) or aminotransferases. The objectives of this study were: define the prevalence of NAFLD (bland steatosis, NASH and cirrhosis) in type II diabetic patients, based on liver biopsy; quantify steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis when present; identify predictive factors of NAFLD, NASH and significant fibrosis (&#8805; stage 2) and analyse the value of aminotransferases and abdominal US for diagnosis of NASH and significant fibrosis. All type II diabetic patients, from 18 to 70 years, consecutively evaluated in the outpatient Clinic of Diabetes Mellitus of a terciary care University Hospital, were considered for enrollment. Patients were excluded if they had positive serology for hepatitis B or C, other chronic liver diseases, used medications associated with steatosis or hepatotoxic drugs, consumed &#8805; 20g alcohol per day, had other serious diseases, grade III obesity, were pregnant or declined participation. From 396 patients evaluated, 85 were included. Patients were submitted to clinical and laboratory examinations, abdominal US and liver biopsy. The slides were analysed by two independent pathologists and graded according to NASH Clinical Research Network Scoring System. Agreement between pathologists was accessed by kappa coefficients (k) and factors independently associated to NAFLD, NASH and significant fibrosis by multivariate logistic regression. Prevalence of NAFLD was 92%, being 50% bland steatosis, 40% NASH and 2% cirrhosis. Agreement between pathologists (k) was 0,78. Steatosis was mild in the majority of patients with bland steatosis and mostly severe in NASH patients (p<0,001). Fibrosis occurred in 76% of NASH patients, being significant in 41% of them. Metabolic syndrome was independently associated to NAFLD, body mass index and increased waist circumference to NASH and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to NASH and significant fibrosis. Metabolic syndrome was independently associated to NAFLD; body mass index and increased waist circumference were associated to NASH; and ALT was associated to NASH and significant fibrosis. Only one from 21 patients (5%) with normal US and ALT had NASH. The prevalence of NASH progressively increased as the steatosis grade on US and the liver enzymes got worse. Conclusion: Prevalence of NAFLD estimated by liver biopsy in T2DM patients without selection bias was very high. Although elevated, prevalence of NASH and significant fibrosis were lower than defined by studies with biopsies in patients with changes in US or aminotransferases. NASH was associated to severe steatosis on histology. Obesity was an important factor in NASH diagnosis. The best performance of ALT and US was in exclude severe subtypes of NAFLD when normal.